Stay Stylish And Warm This Winter

Stay Stylish and Warm This Winter Season

Sweater Dress from Village Girls Boutique Houston, TX
Photo taken by The Davidson Gallery

Winter has officially begun, and baby, it's cold outside! While you may be tempted to wrap yourself in a blanket before stepping outside, remember you can look chic while staying warm. And before you start slipping into large, heavy layers, consider creating the right proportions with your winter gear.
Delilah A. Alexander

Winter fashions are not the most appealing clothes for the majority of people. Winter clothing can be bulky and weighty. However, it is really about planning how you put together the whole outfit that counts. I have been asked many times this season are wool coats in fashion for winter and the answer is very definitely yes!! You need to select a coat that is functional, as well as, fashionable.

Face it, as temperatures begin to fall in the winter months, most men and women are looking for a mixture of practical and fashionable clothing. The colder weather makes it more of a challenge to be glamorous and fashionable at the same time. However, it can be done and done fantabulously!

Here are some quick tips to staying fashionable. Definitely look for clothing that will be warm and stylish. Steer clear of winter wear that is too big and bulky for your frame. Instead choose pieces that will flatter your figure.

Ladies, when you buy your winter coat you should make sure it is at least knee length as that is the fashion for this season. If you want to buy something longer, there is nothing stopping you from doing so. However, do choose coats that will flatter and still maintain your womanly shape. You can also accessorize winter wear with scarves and pins. These accent pieces can personalize your look and take it to the next level of sophistication.

Men also want to look dapper and maintain their swagger on those cold days. Men should also choose clothing that is not going to make you appear larger than what you really are. Instead choose sweaters, turtlenecks and cardigans in lieu of oversized jerseys. The pea coat is also a perfect choice for outwear. Did you know that...the classic pea coat continues to be fashionable and stylish for both men and women. Multiple variations of the pea coat are sold by many retailers and are an asset to any wardrobe. One last piece of advice....Your coat should definitely fit you. The old adage of "you'll grow into it" is not longer appropriate.

Wear Winter White

Achieve an ethereal glow with a rich white or off white coat. A style secret of red carpet regulars, there is something regal and fresh about wearing this luminous shade during the dark and dreary days of winter. And as an added bonus, this polished piece of outerwear will help you stand out in a sea of black.

Pass It Forward

Outerwear is an essential, but it can also be expensive. Consider donating your gently worn coat this winter to provide a precious piece of warmth to someone in need. A few noteworthy companies, including United Colors of Benetton and Burlington Coat Factory, are offering discounts on new outerwear in appreciation of your donation. Furthermore, why not seek out a gently worn jacket or coat of your own? Many designers are bringing back retro styles, and a thrift store is a great place to shop for authentic inspiration!

Layering clothing for winter cold months is a common way to use pieces create endless wardrobe possibilities.

Whatever you choose to wear this winter do it with style! Stay tuned for our next newsletter where I will let you in on the 5 Top Winter Must-Haves this winter for both men and women.

Image Essentials LLC is available to assist you with all of your wardrobe needs. Visit us at www.ImageEssentialsllc.com

Out With The Old And In With The New

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU FASHIONISTAS!

Does this look like your closet?

In with the new and out with the old. That is what we all say. We make many New Year's resolutions. We vow to all different kinds of things like get into shape, start eating right, be a better spouse, be a better steward over our finances, save money, stop shopping so much or go to church more regularly. How many of us have vowed to get our closets organized? Your closet is a crucial part of your life. A disorganized closet can cause you to want to pull your hair out...especially if you are in a rush and cannot find your favorite shirt that matches that perfect pair of black slacks.



In keeping with "letting go of the old and bringing in the new" closet organization should also be considered. If you are like "I WAS", each year you add more clothing pieces to your closet and discard nothing. So by now you have a closet that is bursting at the seams. We have clothing items that we thought were a great find when we bought them and now they hang in the closet still with the price tag on it. We have all done it.



Do not kid yourself, we can and oftentimes do form emotional attachments to clothing items. It could be the dress you wore when he proposed to you, or the pair of pants that make your butt look cute or maybe it is the shirt that every time you wear it you get attention. Any of these statements could be a good reason to keep something but not if #1. It is not flattering #2. It is out dated and, #3. It looks worn and old. lol. These excuses are just a few of the reasons that I hear why a client's coveted clothing item should not be discarded.



I am not saying that you should toss everything out. What I am saying is that you should be realistic. The likelihood of you wearing a dress that you wore to a high school dance in 1995 again is very slim to nil. Our sense of style changes and although fashion trends are recycled believe me when fashion from 1995 comes back around they will be far more stylish and updated than when we first wore them.



Image Essentials LLC can help you with purging your closet. Release the old and make room for the new. As I said before, "everything does not have to go". You will be amazed at how you can update some garments by simply adding different accessories or by taking them to be altered.



You will never have any more of those dreaded mornings where you stand in front of a closet full of clothing and say to yourself "I have nothing to wear". Call Delilah A. Alexander of Image Essentials LLC to schedule your closet assessment.



Your old outdated and unwanted clothing will be donated to an organization that provides clothing to someone else in need. Clothing donations are a tax write-off. As a complimentary service to you, Image Essentials LLC takes the issue of what to do with old discarded clothing off your hands. We will bag the clothing, take it to the nearest donation spot and give you the receipt for tax purposes.



An organized closet can help you save valuable time, prevent you from making costly mistakes by duplicating purchases and alliviate the frustration caused by searching for key clothing pieces.



Visit us at www.ImageEssentialsllc.com. Your closet does not have to be a mess any more. You too can have a Fantabulous closet.

HE DID IT!!!!: BARACK OBAMA IS PRESIDENT

THE END OF A LONG JOURNEY

Did you ever imagine that in your lifetime you would able to say the words "African American President" all in the same sentence? As the answer to so many prayers.... Barack Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator from Illinois, shattered more than 200 years of history Tuesday night by winning election as the first African-American president of the United States..

We the American people built an unprecedented grassroots organization that brought a record number of people into the political process -- many for the first time, many for the first time in a long time. You should all be proud of yourselves for stepping out and making your voices heard. This truly shows us that when we move to action we can bring about a change...a change that has been long over due.

Today marks one of the important days of our lives, our parents and grandparents and their ancestors would truly be proud of the strides we have made as a nation of people. For the many people who suffered for this country and built their hopes and dreams on equality....I say a change has come. To all of the people to cried and died to be a part of a country....I say a change has come. We have truly come a mighty long way as a people. In the words of President Barack Obama "this significant moment in time is just the beginning."

I have a renewed sense of pride, urgency and faith. Pride in who I am, the culture I represent and the many other people who joined on this day to let their voices be heard. Urgency to do my part to bring about a change and most of all an unwavering Faith in God. We stepped out as a people of all colors and nationalities and made our voices heard! One People One Vote One Nation!

From the words of President Barack Obama...."If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," Obama told tens of thousands of joyful supporters in Chicago's Grant Park. "America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do," Obama said. "This is our moment. This is our time!"

And we all know that Michelle going to give the White House Fantabulous Style. :-)

God Bless America and God Bless

President Barack Obama

VILLAGE GIRLS PRESENTS FALL FANTABULOUS

See hot new fall fashions and accessories. Also receive valuable tips on how to select the right clothing to flatter your body type. Looking for statement pieces for a night out or just want to add classics to your wardrobe?
Village Girls has it all and more!
Receive 15% off all purchases!!!

BARGAINISTA STYLE

Greetings Fashionistas...

When the times get tough a Fashionista gets even tougher. A Fashionista is able to shift gears into Bargainista mode, without skipping a beat. Do not let the state of the economy hamper your ability to be Fantabulously Fierce. The biggest way to maintain your divalicious style when the economy is putting a crunch on your pocket book is shop strategically. There are tons of sales and reasonably priced merchandise out there. The best thing is that your style does not have to suffer. As a matter of fact, utilize this time to truly allow your fashion imagination to run wild. You might even surprise yourself.

A Fashionista turned Bargainista knows the smell of a great bargain. Bargain shopping – is a frugalite's dream. Seek out sales and price mark downs. Some of my favorite bargain places to shop are Dillard's, Macy's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, DSW and Show Cents. These retailers are always bringing in new merchandise. The buyers of these establishments keep the stores stocked with the latest fashion trends, as well as, classic wardrobe building pieces and accessories.

I spotted a beautiful cocktail dress at T.J. Maxx, similar to one Kia Whitacker (Forest Whitacker's wife) flossed at a most recent fundraising event. The best part was the dress was a mere fraction of the original price. Typically, at off-price retailers you can find one of a kind pieces and rock bottom prices. Finding that one of a kind piece means that you are sure not to show up at an event and see another Fashionista wearing the same frock. Although, it is funny to see "Who Wore It Best" in the US Magazine it is by no means funny when it happens to you. ha ha

The objective is to look fabulously flawless and stylish while not breaking the bank! Seek out the bargains. Bargain shopping can be very stressful, but it is can also be very thrilling and rewarding. Here are some pointers that can help you to have an absolutely stress free bargain shopping experience, and most of all save money.

• Get a local newspaper or magazine that lists local secondhand stores, outlet malls and weekend sales.
• Head to the back of the store. This is where the sale and/or clearance items are typically held. Stores want you to look at their fully priced items before their discounted merchandise.
• Know what you are looking for and do not buy just to buy. With just a bit of patience and a keen eye you can get some really good deals.
• If you like brand name products, call to the major stores and ask if they are going to be having any closings, or overstock sales. Overstock is a great way to get designer brand items at cheap prices.
• Shop around. Never buy something that you can get a better price someplace else.

Another great thing about bargain shopping today is that you do not necessarily have to leave the house to bargain shop. It can all be done online. Many great deals and one of a kind pieces can be found with the click of a mouse. Combine sales with an online coupon to maximize your savings. Use an online website that organizes up-to-date coupons by category. (e.g.

http://www.rather-be-shopping.com). Shopping online also makes it easy to compare prices, but be aware! Some sites are not always safe. Make sure you feel comfortable when you give a site your credit card number. Print your receipt for your records.

With the holidays approaching us bargain shopping will be crucial now more than ever! Take advantage of those after holiday sales. After the holidays stores want to get rid of fall clothing to make room for summer merchandise.

Be a Fantabulous Fashionista doing it Bargainista style!!!

Stay tuned for my next blog where I will reveal what is hot for the fall season. Yes, ladies it is fall. Tis the season for boots, sweaters and fabulous holiday attire.

I'M EVERY WOMAN FALL FASHION & HAIRSHOW

Greetings Fashionistas,

Image Essentials LLC has partnered with Versatile Beauty Center & Salon to bring you an extraordinary fashion show. This fun-filled afternoon, hosted by Ayana Mack of 104.1 KRBE, is guaranteed to be an exciting display of fashion forward fall designs, creative hairstyles and an opportunity to give back to the community!

This is an event you do not want to miss!

Event Tickets: $25 (Proceeds Benefiting The Houston Area Women's Center)

For more information contact:

Versatile Beauty Center & Salon
5175 Westheimer Suite 2145
Houston, Texas 77056
713-840-9466 or 713-840-9955

The Fashionista Project

Glitter Graphics Maker & MySpace Layouts

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Greetings Fashionistas!

While we may believe that we are registered to vote, it is important that we are each 100% certain. Many individuals have checked this site and were surprised to find out that they were not registered in their area/county, for whatever reason. Visit www.canivote.org to check your status. If you are not registered, you can register on the site, as well as, find your polling places.

Please do not put this off for another minute. Check your status!

Please feel free to forward this message to all who may benefit.